Wilson This Week

Work has begun in earnest on the Centro construction project in Historic Downtown Wilson as the frame of the building is beginning to rise above Nash Street.

The construction zone has forced a block of Pine Street, from Nash Street to Barnes Street, to close this week and it will be months before it reopens. Traffic will need to divert a block to either Tarboro or Jackson streets.

The sidewalk on the east side of Pine Street will remain open, and it won't impact the Foundation YMCA nor the city's parking garage to the west. 

When the Centro project opens, it will add retail shops and restaurants along Pine Street and include 200-250 apartments. This is part of $100 million in investment in this block.

The Wilson City Council recently recognized the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community, then heard about one young woman's upcoming trip to represent Mexician immigrants at the United Nations.

Mayor Carlton Stevens made two special presentations during the City Council's Sept. 15 meeting. He declared Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition and honor of people of Hispanic heritage, approximately 11 percent of the county's population. He made the presentation to Elizabeth Herrara-Picasso and Flor Herrara-Picasso of Casa Azul de Wilson, a non-profit agency that is working to improve educational and social opportunities for young people here.

Then Council heard from Andressia Ramirez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, who was selected to go to the United Nations from Sept. 29-Oct. 20 to represent the concerns of Mexican immigrants. She gave an impassioned address on what she hopes to represent during her time in New York City.

In September we celebrated the city's engineering team, who work to build the infrastructure needed to keep Wilson growing and thriving. The city employs electric engineers, civil engineers, network engineers, and outside plant engineers in Wilson Energy, Greenlight and Public Works. The city literally could not run without them!

Think you could join this award-winning, hard-working team? Well, you're in luck! We're currently hiring a Civil Engineer (Environmental), Civil Engineer, and GIS Tech in Engineering. Engineers are in high demand across the country, and we know the competition for top talent is tough, but the City of Wilson is a great place to work. You'll get to work in a growing, supportive, stable community full of amazing people (like the one reading this now).

Natural gas prices recently hit a 14-year high, and experts warn us the inexpensive natural gas we enjoyed a few years ago is gone for the foreseeable future.

Houses that heat with natural gas will be hit hardest this winter. Wilson Energy wants to help you stay comfortable while keeping costs manageable. But you must be prepared to make changes to keep your utility bill close to what you’ve historically paid. We will be sharing updates, news and tips for lowering your energy use directly with Wilson Energy natural gas customers this winter through the Natural Gas News. Subscribe today to have this information sent directly to your inbox.

Make plans now to be part of the 2022 Wilson Christmas Parade, which will begin at 11 am Saturday, December 3, in historic downtown Wilson. 

Organizers are now planning the event, which follows Nash Street from Bruton Street to Douglas Streets, with large crowds along most parts of the route. The parade is also broadcast and enjoyed throughout the holiday season.

It is free to attend, but individuals, groups, businesses, civic groups and others are invited to be a part of the parade. Registration has already begun, use the link below to get your application in.